Parvovirus, also known CPV, is a disease in dogs that affects their intestines and marrows. This virus is very contagious and can be spread through direct contact. It also has the possibility of being a terminal disease. It is more common in some particular breeds of dogs than other breeds.
Although any breed of dogs can come down with Parvovirus and at any age, it is more rampant among dogs of about six to twenty weeks, as they are at a higher risk of being infected with the virus.
How To Cure Parvo Without A Vet
Quite sadly, there is no medical cure for Parvovirus, however, your dog can fight it off, especially if he has a strong immune system. To this end, you must ensure to nourish your dog well and keep him hydrated during the period of recovery.
Although there is no known cure for Parvovirus, there are treatments that can be given to your dog to speed up recovery. For this reason, it is important that you involve your veterinary doctor to increase the chances of your dog’s survival.
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Symptoms Of Parvovirus In Dogs
Symptoms of Parvovirus begin to show within a week of your dog contracting it and they become more serious with time. The following are signs and symptoms that your dog might exhibit as an indication that he has contracted Parvovirus: Loss of appetite, abnormal drowsiness and laziness, abnormal temperature, chronic diarrhea and stomach upset.
Symptoms of Parvovirus are similar to a number of other dog diseases and so it is advised that you immediately get your dog tested as soon as you begin to observe any of these symptoms. Your vet would ascertain the exact disease to be treated.
Prevention For Parvovirus
To prevent your dog from contracting virus, it is advised that you get your dog vaccinated. Vaccination builds your dog’s immune system to be able to fight against the virus. If you still breed your female dog, vaccinating her will ensure that her litter of puppies do not contract the virus until they are grown enough to also get vaccinated.
If your dog has not been vaccinated, avoid taking him to public places like dog parks, where he can contract the virus from carrier dogs. Limit socialization for your dog.
Make a point of scheduling your dog for regular checkups with the veterinary doctor and communicate any concerns you might have about your dog to your vet.
Treatment For Parvovirus
In addition to the fact that it costs way lesser to treat your dog with Parvovirus at home, dogs have almost the same chances of surviving Parvovirus at home and at the hospital. Below are ways you can treat your dog with Parvovirus without veterinary care:
Isolate Affected Dog: Since Parvovirus is a contagious infection, you must ensure you wash up thoroughly after each visit to your dog with Parvovirus. very careful not to carry the virus with you and clean your clothing thoroughly after every visit. Keep him isolated during the period of recovery so he does not spread the disease.
Medical Fluids: Continued vomiting and diarrhea would most likely reduce your dog’s fluid level to a very low state, hence the need to keep his fluid level boosted. Beyond taking lots of fresh water, it is important that you give your dog medical fluids that will help in boosting his fluid level and keeping him hydrated.
Proper nourishment: During the period of recovery, it is advised that you feed your dog a balanced diet to help him recover his strength. Resist feeding your dog human foods since they are likely to be toxic and harmful for your dog due to excess salt and sugar.
Easily Processed Foods: Ensure you serve and feed your dog only food that he can quickly digest, as Parvovirus noticeably tampers with your dog’s digestive system. Some foods that your dog can easily process and digest would include baby food, boiled rice, egg yolk, and so on.
Medications For Nausea: Medications for nausea will help to stop your dog from vomiting and losing body fluid as he needs enough nourishment from his food to aid recovery. These medications helps your dog eat without having to throw up.
Antibiotics: Although antibiotics are not curatives for viruses, they can wipe out other terrible infections that may arise as your dog’s body is vulnerable to other illnesses. Remember to administer the antibiotics based on your vet’s prescription.
Medications For Pain: Stomach pain is a symptom associated with Parvovirus. These pain medications help to do away with stomach pain. Your dog has a higher chance of eating and sleeping better with less pain thereby aiding recovery.
Medications For Diarrhea: For a dog suffering from Parvovirus, with every session of diarrhea, he loses some amount of body fluid and nutrients and if not treated and controlled on time, this could lead him closer to his death. Medications such as Pepto can put a stop to the diarrhea and aid recovery.
Dog’s temperature: A dog with Parvovirus will have abnormal body temperature and this can affect his organs badly. It is therefore advised that you pay close attention to your dog’s body temperature to observe any abnormality and take appropriate actions for any situation.
If your dog’s temperature is below the normal for dogs(101.50F), cover him up to keep him warm. If his temperature is above normal, keep his cool with wet clothes and cool, fresh water.
Disinfect Your House: Although Parvovirus tends to be very resistant to regular detergents, you must make a point of cleaning up your house after your dog had fully recovered. There are cleansers meant specifically for Parvovirus; these would be most effective, as well as bleach.
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Best Food For Dogs During Recovery
It usually is not much of a good idea for your dog to return to his former diet while recovering from Parvovirus, as his system is still very sensitive and may not react too well to every kind of food at the moment. Since this is the case, here are a list of food that would be suitable for your dog who is just recovering from Parvovirus:
- White Rice
- Potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Cooked Chicken Breast without seasoning
- Ground Beef
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does Parvo Stay In A Dog’s System?
Depending on how severe the symptoms are and how intense the treatment care is, Parvovirus lasts not longer than five to seven days. Any dog who is able to get through the first three to four days of the infection, is very likely to survive and fully recover from the Parvovirus.
Can A Dog Survive Parvo Without Going To The Vet?
A dog can very well survive Parvovirus without going to the vet, however, the dog owner must ensure that the veterinary doctor is aware of the condition and no treatment must be administered to the dog without the vet’s recommendation and approval.
Is Milk Good For Dogs With Parvo?
Resist giving your dog milk while he is recovering from Parvovirus. Due to its dairy content, milk is unsuitable for your dog’s sensitive digestive system and your dog would be better off without the complications that could arise with consuming milk or any other dairy product.
Conclusion
Although hospitalization may seem to be the best option, your dog can very well receive treatment and recover from Parvovirus without a constant visit to the vet. However, you must ensure to seek medical and professional advice from your veterinary doctor before commencing any treatment on your dog.
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